The Ellis County Press: Fundraiser started for Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center

Fundraiser started for Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center
================================================================================
Editor on 10/18/2007 00:00:00


STAFF REPORT
_The Ellis County Press_
La Grange -  Kickoff of the capital campaign for the construction of  a $1.5
million complex housing a library, museum and archives building got underway
during the design unveiling, Saturday, Oct. 13.
To be located on the 70-acre TCHCC site adjacent to the Fayette County
fairgrounds on the banks of the Colorado River in La Grange, the nucleus of the
complex will consist of a large entry lobby, exhibit areas, interactive
displays, research library, catering kitchen, a multi-purpose hall, meeting
room, office and gift shop.
'The Center has arrived at a momentous time after 10 years of exciting growth
and development in realizing the mission and vision of the organization,' stated
a release.
The board commissioned Austin architect Roger Kolar to develop a historically
relevant design with a contemporary perspective.
Paying homage to its rural Texas ancestors, the building recalls farmhouses,
schoolhouses, and even dance halls of the Moravian ancestors, but it does not
imitate any of these.
To further acknowledge its rural Czech-Texas predecessors, the building will be
painted white.  The double-height lobby pavilion will remain the primary focal
point of the building.
Heavily glazed, and providing the main entrance to the building, the foyer will
glow when lighted at night.
Together with the funds on hand, more than $900,000 has been raised toward the
construction cost of $1.5 million.
For further information in supporting, pledging, or donating to the TCHCC
Library, Museum and Archives Capital Campaign, please contact the Center at P.
O. Box 6, La Grange, TX 78945-0006; or telephone 1-888-785-4500 Monday through
Friday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. or e-mail czechtx@verizon.net.